William J. Brunken, PhD, Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Director of the Center for Vision Research, has been elected to serve on the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology's Research Director's Council for five years.

Dr. William J. Brunken was named the Vice Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology.

At the start of the Vision 2000 campaign to support research at the University Vision Care & Research Centers, Lions District 20-Y1 stepped up and pledged $250,000 to the campaign over a three-year period. This really supported their mission of trying to eliminate preventable blindness. Their donation was really the impetus that moved the campaign forward. In addition, the Center for Vision Research (CVR) has been able to take that initial pledge and have turned it into over $19 million in research funding over the past ten years.

The local Lions fund raising efforts were able to secure a $75,000 grant from Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) to improve equipment and services for the Centers. LCIF was founded in 1968 as a charitable arm of Lions International. The foundation disburses millions of dollars in donated funds each year for Sight First, a global program to eliminate preventable and reversible blindness and for other humanitarian projects. "I can't say enough about the Lions involvement in our fund raising efforts," said Dr. John A. Hoepner, Chair of University Vision Care & Research Centers. "Their commitment and dedication to the Vision 2000 campaign is the primary reason for our success and they continue to support it every year." The Lions Clubs' contribution was used to further the Centers' initiatives in ophthalmic research and clinical care and to purchase special equipment. The Lions Club members of District 20-Y1 comprise the CNY area from Skaneateles to Cooperstown and Mexico to Downsville.

Ophthalmic research at Upstate Medical University is conducted through its University Vision Care & Research Centers. The centers are multifaceted and draw upon the expertise and dedication of dozens of leading physicians and research scientists to provide medicine with advances in research, innovation in patient care and quality instruction in the practice of ophthalmology.

Thanks to each of the following Lions and Lioness Clubs of District 20-Y1 for supporting the Vision 2000 campaign and University Vision Care & Research Centers. Because of the generous support from each of these clubs and their dedicated members, the Vision 2000 campaign surpassed its $1.2 million goal. There is permanent recognition at University Center for Vision Care's wall of honor for all of the Lions Clubs that gave to the Vision 2000 campaign.

Lions and Lioness Clubs of District 20-Y1 who supported the Vision 2000 Ophthalmology Advancement Campaign are:

Continuing Collaboration between by the Lions District 20-Y1 and the Department of Ophthalmology - Lions' Research Presentations and Tours

Continuing to strengthen its relationship with the Lions Clubs, University Vision Care & Research Centers hosted its first-ever "Lions Day" in May 2000. Coordinated by the Upstate Medical University Foundation, this event offered the 60 Lions Clubs in Central and Southern New York the opportunity to tour the Centers and speak with a host of vision researchers, clinicians, and Vision 2000 representatives throughout the one-day event. According to Wayne Cunningham, Co-Chair of the Lions Vision 2000 effort, "Lions Day" was a huge success. "An event like Lions Day offers all Lions members the opportunity to see first-hand, the amazing advances that are being made at the Centers. We are extremely pleased to have established a relationship with University Vision Care & Research Centers and we all hope it will continue long into the future."

Tours of the facilities at Upstate Medical University's Department of Ophthalmology have continued each year so that the Lions can see how their generosity has enabled the University Vision Care & Research Centers to work towards finding the causes and cures for blinding disorders. Many of these events have been attended by Lions International Directors. Even those Lions that have attended more than one of these events are surprised by how much has been accomplished since their last visit.